Eitas Empowering individuals through advocacy and support.

eitas connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services, resources, and opportunities so they can live full lives in their communities. Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a political sub-division of Jackson County that provides funding and services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services that respect their choices, increase their opportunities, encourage their independence, and assist their inclusion in all aspects of the community. OUR VALUE STATEMENTS
Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas:

-will advocate for a wide range of services and funding to meet the needs of persons with -developmental disabilities.
-will promote a culture of inclusion and individualized supports. will support individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge programs and empowered staff and providers.
-will provide the highest quality of supports and services by listening to the people it supports and the people who know them best.
-will support people to be active, full members of their communities.
-will be a Missouri leader in developing, supporting and furthering a community free of attitudinal and physical barriers and where persons with developmental disabilities participate in the full, rich life of their community without fear and prejudice.
-will conduct itself with integrity, propriety and honesty in carrying out the Board’s mission, values and responsibilities.
-will seek to insure the health, safety, and quality of life for the persons we support through proactive oversight of the programs we fund.
-will, whenever possible, leverage its resources to enhance funding and forge local, state and federal partnerships to expand available funding and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

On April 6, Jemima and Jennie spent the day connecting with families.They represented the eitas Community Outreach team ...
04/08/2026

On April 6, Jemima and Jennie spent the day connecting with families.

They represented the eitas Community Outreach team at Children’s Mercy’s Autism Family/Caregiver Conference at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center.

Throughout the day, they shared resources, listened, and had meaningful conversations about what support looks like today and in the future.

One moment that stood out was the panel:
“Will they always live with me?”

A question many families carry, and one that deserves thoughtful, honest conversation.

Thank you to Children’s Mercy for creating a space where families can connect, ask questions, and find support.

If you stopped by the eitas table, we’re so glad they got to meet you.

What questions are you thinking about when it comes to the future?

link in comments:

Reminder: You still have time to register.Understanding SSI and SSDI can make a real difference in what comes next.At ei...
04/07/2026

Reminder: You still have time to register.

Understanding SSI and SSDI can make a real difference in what comes next.

At eitas, we want to make sure people have clear information and support before they apply.

Join us for this free workshop on April 9.

In person (1:30–3:30 PM):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssi-and-ssdi-how-and-when-to-apply-tickets-1984481935891?aff=oddtdtcreator

Virtual (6:00–8:00 PM):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssi-and-ssdi-how-and-when-to-apply-tickets-1984468978134?aff=oddtdtcreator

Questions: jseidel@eitas.org

🐾 Meet Sam at the ConferenceWe’re excited to welcome Paws and Pals to this year’s conference and yes, Sam the therapy do...
04/07/2026

🐾 Meet Sam at the Conference

We’re excited to welcome Paws and Pals to this year’s conference and yes, Sam the therapy dog will be there.

Paws and Pals brings comfort and connection through trained therapy animals, helping create spaces where people can feel more at ease.

That matters here.
Conversations about trauma, support, and care can bring up a lot. Having a calm, trained therapy dog nearby can help people feel grounded, safe, and supported.

Sam is part of that work.

If you’re attending, take a moment to stop by and say hello—you might just meet Sam. 🐶

📅 Registration closes April 8
🎟️ Tickets are almost gone

Link to register is below in the comments

Kansas City this closes tomorrow!There are only a few hours to register for Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Appro...
04/07/2026

Kansas City this closes tomorrow!

There are only a few hours to register for
Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care

If this work matters to you, don’t wait.

Join providers, educators, and community members who are working to create spaces where people feel safe, are seen, and are supported.

📅 April 15, 2026
📍 The Pavilion at John Knox Village
🍽 Lunch included + ice cream from Howdy Homemade

⏳ Registration closes April 8.

Save your spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Check out these great webinar opportunities from MPACT for autism awareness month.
04/06/2026

Check out these great webinar opportunities from MPACT for autism awareness month.

🌱 Growing Together: April Autism Awareness Webinar Series

April is Autism Awareness Month, and we’re coming together to support families with information, tools, and resources that make a difference.

Join Missouri Parents Act for our free webinar series happening April 13–17, with sessions designed to help you better understand special education, advocacy, and supports for children with disabilities.

🕙 Each session: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

🌿 Session Topics Include:

April 13 – Special Education Law: What You Need to Know
April 14 – Understanding the IEP Process for Parents of Students with ASD
April 15 – Writing Postsecondary Goals for Students with ASD
April 16 – The Art of Effective Advocacy
April 17 – Understanding ADHD

Whether you're just starting your journey or building on what you already know, these sessions are here to support you every step of the way.

💻 Attend from anywhere—virtual link provided after registration.

👉 Register today:
🔗 missouriparentsact.org/training

Kansas City this closes April 8.There are only a few days left to register forSafe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed App...
04/05/2026

Kansas City this closes April 8.

There are only a few days left to register for
Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care

If this work matters to you, don’t wait.

Join providers, educators, and community members who are working to create spaces where people feel safe, are seen, and are supported.

📅 April 15, 2026
📍 The Pavilion at John Knox Village
🍽 Lunch included + ice cream from Howdy Homemade

⏳ Registration closes April 8.

Save your spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Check out this amazing update from johnny boy foundation. Great work to everyone involved. We are proud to be apart of t...
04/03/2026

Check out this amazing update from johnny boy foundation. Great work to everyone involved. We are proud to be apart of this.

Congrats to Gerald! Completed johnny boy foundation Hand in Hand Program and now officially employed by Ruby Jean's Juicery! A big shout out to them for providing this opportunity and to the staff.

We are preparing açaí bowls again for the KC Current game this weekend.

A special thank you to Eitas and Deron Cherry Foundation for scholarship monies that help us provide education and vocational job training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All at no charge to the individual or families. Your support not only helps us provide employment in our community but build confidence and promotes team building ! Thank you again for believing in our mission!

Together We Can!







Spread the word. Howdy Homemade KC is hiring heros!
04/02/2026

Spread the word. Howdy Homemade KC is hiring heros!

Now hiring Heroes 💙

Meaningful jobs. Real opportunity. Amazing ice cream. If you or someone you love is ready to shine, we’d love to meet you.

➡️ Apply on our website through the link in our bio! 🍦

04/02/2026

Stronger support starts with learning and connection.

A big thank you to our Silver Sponsor, UMKC Institute for Human Development, for supporting
Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care.

The Institute for Human Development is Missouri’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. They help improve services for people with disabilities through training, research, and working closely with the community.

We are grateful to have them as part of this conversation.

Tickets are running out.

Get yours now:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Secure your sponsorship or exhibitor booth:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_7WCySWAwkyC9nIwB9MJ5143SOhrfshCrfIG-k3VLTVUMlJMWkZFVVNTMElTS1NDS0ZVNDE0QTRIOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Learn more:
https://ihd.umkc.edu/

04/02/2026

We are proud to recognize Bukaty Companies as a Gold Sponsor of our upcoming conference:

Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care

Bukaty Companies brings deep expertise in employee benefits, insurance, and financial wellness, supporting organizations and individuals in building long-term stability and access to care.

Their partnership reflects the importance of strong community connections across sectors.

We are grateful for their support.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Secure your sponsorship or exhibitor booth:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_7WCySWAwkyC9nIwB9MJ5143SOhrfshCrfIG-k3VLTVUMlJMWkZFVVNTMElTS1NDS0ZVNDE0QTRIOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
Learn more about Bukaty Companies:
https://www.bukaty.com/

04/02/2026

Real opportunities start with the right support.

A big thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Developing Potential, for helping make
Safe, Seen, Supported: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care possible.

Developing Potential supports people with disabilities through employment services, day programs, and life skills that build independence and connection in the community. Their work helps people move toward the lives they choose.

We are proud to have them as part of this conversation.

Want to be part of it too?

Get your tickets until April 8th deadline.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306?aff=oddtdtcreator

Secure your sponsorship or exhibitor booth:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_7WCySWAwkyC9nIwB9MJ5143SOhrfshCrfIG-k3VLTVUMlJMWkZFVVNTMElTS1NDS0ZVNDE0QTRIOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Today is World Autism Day.This year’s theme is Celebrating Differences. And stories like this show why it matters.Odin F...
04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Day.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Differences. And stories like this show why it matters.

Odin Frost is a 23 year old autistic man who is mostly non speaking.
And he just made history.

He is the first non speaking actor to voice a character in a syndicated cartoon. He voices Paolo in the PBS Kids show Carl the Collector.

Paolo uses an iPad to communicate. Just like many people in real life.

Odin recorded his own lines with his family. When he heard his voice on screen, it was described as a magical moment.

This is what inclusion looks like.

It looks like representation.
It looks like access.
It looks like making space for every voice.

Because communication is not one way.
And being non speaking does not mean being unheard.

Celebrating differences means recognizing the many ways people connect, communicate, and belong.



Meet Odin, a young adult with nonspeaking autism and the inspiration behind the "Carl the Collector" character Paolo.Autism doesn't break families — it build...

Address

8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO
64138

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18163632000

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